Systems Physiology

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AP Biology › Systems Physiology

Questions 1 - 10
1

Which of the following best identifies the correct sequence of phases in the uterine cycle?

Menstruation, proliferative phase, and secretory phase

Secretory phase, menstruation, and proliferative phase

Proliferative phase, menstruation, and secretory phase

Proliferative phase, secretory phase, and menstruation

Explanation

The menstrual cycle is the process of preparing the human female body for potential pregnancy. The cycle can be divided into two stages—the ovarian cycle and the uterine cycle. The uterine cycle has three phases that are called menstruation, the proliferative phase, and the secretory phase.

2

Which of the following best identifies the correct sequence of phases in the uterine cycle?

Menstruation, proliferative phase, and secretory phase

Secretory phase, menstruation, and proliferative phase

Proliferative phase, menstruation, and secretory phase

Proliferative phase, secretory phase, and menstruation

Explanation

The menstrual cycle is the process of preparing the human female body for potential pregnancy. The cycle can be divided into two stages—the ovarian cycle and the uterine cycle. The uterine cycle has three phases that are called menstruation, the proliferative phase, and the secretory phase.

3

During which of the following pregnancy stages can the mother begin to feel fetal movement?

Second trimester

First trimester

Third trimester

Fetal movement cannot be felt during pregnancy

Explanation

Human pregnancy can be divided into three trimesters, each categorized by different symptoms and stages of fetal development. During the second trimester of pregnancy, which occurs between 13 and 28 weeks, fetal movement can be felt. This is often called “quickening,” which is the stirring of the fetus.

4

Which of the following reasons best explains the "hyperpolarization" phenomenon during an action potential?

Potassium channels close slowly, thus allowing too much potassium out of the cell

Sodium channels close slowly, thus allowing too much sodium into the cell

Sodium channels close quickly, not allowing enough sodium into the cell

Potassium channels close quickly, not allowing enough potassium out of the cell

Hyperpolarization only occurs in cells that are not able to be depolarized

Explanation

The resting potential of a cell is roughly –70mV. When the potential rises above this level, the cell is considered "depolarized." When the potential delves below this level, the cell is considered "hyperpolarized." If the cell is depolarized above –55mV, the threshold potential, then an action potential is triggered.

Hyperpolarization occurs because potassium channels are slow to open and close, and thus the cell polarizes itself beyond its usual membrane potential. After an action potential depolarizes a cell there is a build-up of positive charge in the cell interior. The late opening of potassium channels causes an abrupt rush of potassium out of the cell, propelled by its electrochemical gradient. This rush lowers the cell potential below its normal resting state, resulting in hyperpolarization. The cell then returns to its resting state via repolarization. Sodium is removed from the cell and potassium is reintroduced through action of the sodium-potassium pump.

5

During which of the following stages of embryogenesis is the developing embryo called a “zygote”?

After fertilization

During the entirety of cleavage

During gastrulation

Only after implantation

Explanation

The term “zygote” is sued to describe a fertilized egg. The zygote is diploid and formed by the fusion of the sperm and egg gametes. The developing organism is called the zygote until it is composed of 16 cells during cleavage, when it is called the “morula.”

6

Which of the following type(s) of cell movement are involved in the development of the neural plate into the neural tube?

Convergence and invagination

Convergence

Invagination

Neither convergence nor invagination

Explanation

During the formation of the neural tube, the neural plate—a thick layer of differentiated columnar cells—change shape and undergo certain cell movements. The formation of the neural tube is called primary neurulation. In a complex process, the cells of the neural plate change shape, invaginating the cell layer to form the neural groove. Convergence moves the cells of the neural folds towards the developing neural groove. Eventually, the two edges of the neural plate touch and join together to form the neural tube.

7

Which of the following statements about blood vessels is true?

Arteries have thicker walls than veins, which have thicker walls than capillaries

Capillaries contain oxygenated blood only

Pressure in veins is always higher than it is in arteries

Arteries contain valves to prevent backflow of blood

Explanation

Arteries have thick, muscular walls that allow for constriction and flow direction, while veins have thin walls to carry blood.

Capillaries have extremely thin walls to allow exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nutrients with tissues, resulting in both oxygenated and deoxygenated blood in these vessels. Pressure in the arteries is always higher than in veins so that blood can be continuously pushed forward, negating the need for valves to prevent backflow. Such valves are present in veins and help to counteract gravity when returning blood to the heart.

8

During which of the following stages of embryogenesis is the developing embryo called a “zygote”?

After fertilization

During the entirety of cleavage

During gastrulation

Only after implantation

Explanation

The term “zygote” is sued to describe a fertilized egg. The zygote is diploid and formed by the fusion of the sperm and egg gametes. The developing organism is called the zygote until it is composed of 16 cells during cleavage, when it is called the “morula.”

9

Which of the following reasons best explains the "hyperpolarization" phenomenon during an action potential?

Potassium channels close slowly, thus allowing too much potassium out of the cell

Sodium channels close slowly, thus allowing too much sodium into the cell

Sodium channels close quickly, not allowing enough sodium into the cell

Potassium channels close quickly, not allowing enough potassium out of the cell

Hyperpolarization only occurs in cells that are not able to be depolarized

Explanation

The resting potential of a cell is roughly –70mV. When the potential rises above this level, the cell is considered "depolarized." When the potential delves below this level, the cell is considered "hyperpolarized." If the cell is depolarized above –55mV, the threshold potential, then an action potential is triggered.

Hyperpolarization occurs because potassium channels are slow to open and close, and thus the cell polarizes itself beyond its usual membrane potential. After an action potential depolarizes a cell there is a build-up of positive charge in the cell interior. The late opening of potassium channels causes an abrupt rush of potassium out of the cell, propelled by its electrochemical gradient. This rush lowers the cell potential below its normal resting state, resulting in hyperpolarization. The cell then returns to its resting state via repolarization. Sodium is removed from the cell and potassium is reintroduced through action of the sodium-potassium pump.

10

Which of the following definitions does the term “menarche” refer to?

When menstrual periods begin in human females

When menstrual periods stop in human females

Implantation of the embryo in human females

Contractions preceding vaginal delivery

Explanation

“Menarche” is the term that refers to the onset of menstrual bleeding in female humans. The timing of menarche is influenced by variety of factors including genetics and environmental factors. Age of menarche is typically between 12 to 15 years old.

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